Illini transfer, Young grad Starks to sit out season

NCAA denies hardship waiver after player's 3-year career with Oregon State

October 01, 2013|By Shannon Ryan, Tribune reporter

Illinois hoped Ahmad Starks would bring experience and some added depth at guard.

Those hopes will have to wait until next season.

Starks, a transfer from Oregon State who graduated from Whitney Young, was denied a hardship waiver by the NCAA subcommittee for legislative relief.

He will have one season of eligibility remaining with the Illini in 2014-15.

Illinois had requested a hardship waiver for Starks, who had stated he wanted to be closer to his ailing grandmother.

“We are all disappointed with the decision to deny the waiver and especially feel bad for Ahmad and his family,” Illinois head coach John Groce said in a statement. “Ahmad had a compelling case, returning to his home state to be closer to an ailing grandmother who played an instrumental role in raising him. However, we now have to move forward. Ahmad will focus on preparing our team in practice while also making individual improvement, fueled by the goal of returning to the court in 2014-15.”